Cardinal Greenway Makes Connections by Phil Beebe

MU_MN_SP_07-29_N_B_A_1_C

Cardinal

Greenway FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

A SPECIAL SECTION BY THE STAR PRESS AND THE PALLADIUM-ITEM

MAKES CONNECTIONS

Cardinal

Greenway MAKES CONNECTIONS

THE RECENTLY COMPLETED RAIL-TRAIL PROVIDES A ‘BACKBONE’ TO WHICH OTHER TRAILS AROUND THE STATE CAN CONNECT By SETH SLABAUGH seths@muncie.gannett.com

ardinal Greenway long has been considered the flagship of Hoosier rail-trails, old railroad beds converted into trails for public use. “This only makes it more so,” said Steve Morris, referring to the paving this summer of the trail’s final 20-plus miles. “We have other nice, long rail-trails in the state, but none nearly as long as the Cardinal Greenway (more than 60 miles),” said Morris, director of the division of outdoor recreation at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. But there are, he adds, some “sister ships in the armada. A lot of people argue the Monon Trail (Indianapolis-Carmel) is more of the flagship trail because of the incredible volume of people that use it and the incredible economic development it has generated. But it’s not even 20 miles long.” Even though construction of Cardinal Greenway is nearing an end, 18 years after the abandoned CXS railroad linking Marion, Muncie and Richmond was bought by the Indiana Department of Transportation and two local Ball foundations, “we feel like we still have a lot to do,” said Angie Pool, executive director of the Cardinal Greenway. The to-do list includes maintenance, events and activities, fundraising (Cardinal Greenway is a nonprofit organization that operates with no local tax dollars), making more connections to the trail, fostering Marion, Muncie and Richmond to work as a whole and education. “We need to get cities to become bike-friendly,” said retired Muncie banker Teresa Willman, president of Cardinal Greenway’s board. “We need to encourage cycling and walking or our funding will cease. We want to tap corporate sponsors We need to start focusing on running a business, not construction.” State officials call Cardinal Greenway a “visionary trail” or “backbone” to which other trails can connect. “The completion of the Cardinal Greenways puts East Central Indiana well on its way to being connected into the burgeoning national trail network,” said Eric Oberg, manager of trail development at the Midwest office of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. At Richmond, the trail will link to the National Road Heritage Trail planned from Richmond to Terre Haute. “We are also looking for the Cardinal to reach east from Muncie heading toward the border town of Union City, where the trail will link up with the cross-state connector trail, which goes into Ohio,” Oberg said. From Marion, the trail is expected to eventually connect to Peru, Rochester and the region south of Gary as part of the American Discovery Trail. CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

INSIDE THIS SPECIAL CARDINAL GREENWAY SECTION RICHMOND JOINS THE GREAT GREENWAY TOUR PAGE 2

TRAIL BECOMES OUTDOOR CLASSROOM PAGE 3

MAP OF THE GREENWAY; EVENTS & MORE PAGES 4 & 5

WALK INDIANA BENEFITS CARDINAL GREENWAY PAGE 8

Lafayette Journal and Courier file photo

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Cardinal

Greenway MAKES CONNECTIONS

Star Press file photos

Participants ride bikes of all types in the Great Greenway Tour. This year, the tour will include Richmond, as well as Muncie and surrounding areas.

RICHMOND JOINS

Great Greenway Tour “Basically, it will be a unique opportunity for Wayne County families to get out and see the trail and for us to showcase the trail for riders from Marion and Muncie.” — JASON WHITNEY, WAYNE COUNTY CARDINAL GREENWAY COORDINATOR

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By BILL ENGLE Staff writer

RICHMOND — For the first time in its existence, the Great Greenway Tour will include Richmond. The 11th annual tour will start Saturday with events in Muncie, Grant County and Richmond. Richmond’s participation is further indication that the trail is close to completion. “I think it was a tough decision to include Richmond this year because the trail is not technically open and complete,” said Wayne County Cardinal Greenway coordinator Jason Whitney. “But the local cycling community (in Wayne County) was confident we could pull it off. “Basically, it will be a unique opportunity for Wayne County families to get out and see the trail and for us to showcase the trail for riders from Marion and Muncie.” Registration runs 7-8 a.m. Saturday when the ride kicks off. Those participating can ride any distance. Lunch will be served in Richmond and Muncie for those who have registered. Lunch in Richmond will be at the trailhead at North Third and D streets. In Muncie, it’s at the Wysor Street Depot near downtown. “You can ride 1 mile or 100 miles,” Whitney said. “We just want people, especially families, to come out and explore the trail.”

Lee Elzemeyer, president of the Wayne County Cardinal Greenway Steering Committee, has been working on the trail project for 15 years. “We’ve already seen a lot of usage and we expect a lot more,” he said. “The Greenway Tour should be an exciting event,” he added. “There will be food and water breaks for anyone using the trail. We’re excited to be at this point.” Elzemeyer said there is still some blacktopping, sign installation and striping being done at trailheads, but it is open for trail traffic. The main task is construction of a horse trail to run along the greenway from Webster to Losantville, Whitney said. “Until that’s done it won’t be finished. It’s probably another six to eight weeks until all the construction is completed,” he said. “But we think the horse trail is also going to be a great draw.” Wayne County Councilman Jeff Plasterer has been on the steering committee for years. He remembers the day in 2004 when Indiana First Lady Judy O’Bannon presented a check to local organizers. That was the start of fundraising efforts in the county. “That was seven years ago and now we’re seeing all these things coming together,” Plasterer said. “It’s the culmination of a lot of hard work. To be included in the Greenway Tour this year is certainly special to all of us.”

THE 11TH GREAT GREENWAY TOUR

Staff writer Bill Engle:bengle@pal-item.com

• WHEN: Registration begins at 7 a.m. Saturday • WHERE: Three starting locations - The Wysor Street Depot, 700 E. Wysor St., Muncie; Jonesboro Trail Head (Grant County); Richmond Trail Head (Wayne County) • COST: $40 per rider. Children 12 and younger ride for free with a paid adult registration. Lunch is included in the fee. • MORE INFO: Helmets are required and pets are not allowed during the tour. Visit www.cardinalgreenways.org/index/News-and-Events/Great-Greenway-Tour.asp to learn more.

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Cardinal

Greenway MAKES CONNECTIONS

New program turns trail into

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM By MICHELLE KINSEY mkinsey@muncie.gannett.com

MUNCIE — We all know that the Cardinal Greenway is a great place for biking, hiking, walking and skating. But what about learning? You bet. The greenway has become an outdoor classroom thanks to a new Learning on the Trail program. “The trail is so important for community health and well-being,” said greenway Executive Director Angie Pool. “But it can be so much more than that, too.” The seeds of this learning program were planted in 2008 by then-Director Lenette Freeman, Pool said. “She felt all along that the trail could be explored in many ways.” Those ways — and more — have been outlined in a massive activity guide. At first, the guide was aimed at teachers and their students. All of the lesson plans meet standards for teachers, Pool said. But then it was noted that others — community groups, for example — could benefit from the activities as well. Families, too, could wander into the Wysor Street Depot in Muncie looking for adventure. Some areas in the Learning on the Trail Activity Guide include social studies (mapmaking and trail history), health and safety (running the trail and nutrition for runners and hikers), observation skills (nature scavenger hunt and identifying patterns), art (chalk painting and music on the trail), language arts (Trees in Poetry), math

(How Tall is that Tree?) and biology (Worm Races). Each activity is packed full of things such as vocabulary words to incorporate step-by-step instructions for the activity, even tips for other activities relating to that topic. There’s also info about what age group it’s geared toward, how long the activity will take and the level of difficulty. A grant from Ball Brothers Foundation got the program off and running, Pool said. All of the instructions and materials for the activities are provided for free. This summer, for its “soft roll out,” kids will even get free explorer notebooks (made from recycled materials) and pens. Children from the Buley Community Center summer day camp in Muncie were the first to take part in one of the activities, chalk-making and, later, drawing, on the trail. “This is fun,” Devin Curtis, 6, said as he drew a long purple line down the center of the trail. “I didn’t know you could do this here.” Jill Jereb, a Buley camp instructor, said the activity was a “wonderful way to get the kids outside and exposed to the greenway.” “So many kids didn’t even know this existed,” she added. The Buley kids are already signed up for two other activities at the depot: the scavenger hunt and an activity that lets kids imagine they are trees along the trail. For more information about the Learning on the Trail program, call (765) 287-0399.

Trail users welcome chance to get healthy, get outdoors By BILL ENGLE Staff writer

RICHMOND — Health and outdoor enthusiasts in Wayne County have hit the ground running on the Cardinal Greenway hiking and biking trail. The trail is not expected to be finished until later this summer but already local cyclists and runners have incorporated it into cycling tours and workout regimens, and running and cycling groups are spinning off. Reid Hospital used the trail for part of its Reid (bicycle) Ride Across Wayne County last week, and the Wayne County Minority Health Coalition has used the trail for one hike. “We’ve already seen a lot of activity,” said Jason Whitney, Wayne County greenway coordinator, “and once it’s completed I think it’s going to become a vital part of our community’s health and fitness activities.” “The first thing is to get people outdoors and on the trail,” said Sharrie Harlin, minority health coalition executive director. “Once they get on the trail they love it.” The health coalition partnered with the Cardinal Greenway to stage a Community Wellness Hike in early June. Of 70 hikers, two groups — about 20 women — are now hiking regularly on the trail Saturdays. “Our community has a problem with obesity and diabetes because of obesity,” Harlin said. “We see the trail becoming an important part in our efforts to address that.” John Dils is co-owner of Cycling and Fitness Warehouse and owner of Family Fitness Works, a fitness center. Both businesses are located along

the greenway trail. Dils is part of cycling and running groups that use the trail. Women’s cycling and running groups have spun off the men’s groups. “Our cycling group numbers have tripled in the last year,” Dils said. “And I think the trail has a lot to do with that. Our runners group is also growing. We had a Wayne County Challenge run two years ago and attracted 200 runners. “We had a run (July 16) and had 500 runners. We’re seeing a lot more families and more women,” Dils said. “I think it’s the beginning of where things are headed and I think the trail is playing a big role.” Jane Barker, an account specialist for WellnessWorks, a Richmond corporate wellness company that specializes in helping employees adopt a healthier lifestyle, said one of her company’s approaches is to let corporate clients know of the potential of the trail. “The trail is a very safe atmosphere. It’s smooth and it’s flat, great for riding, running or walking,” she said. “With each new event we see more and more new people. People are just now realizing how great the trail is and how it fits into their fitness goals.” Tajuan Stoker, director of wellness at Reid Hospital in Richmond, said the hospital would continue to incorporate the trail in wellness efforts in the community. “We want to get this community up and moving,” Stoker said. “We have an obesity problem and we need to find innovative ways to get people out there. The trail will play a definite role in our efforts.”

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Greenway MAKES CONNECTIONS

Board members share their thoughts

Dave Ferguson

A walker strolls the Cardinal Greenway near Springwood Park in April 2008.

Palladium-Item file photo

Cardinal Greenway:

BETTER THAN SHE IMAGINED By MILLICENT MARTIN It’s so tempting to put off the idea of exercise, but now I have a goal. I need to fit in my dress. Not just any dress. A wedding dress. Thus, I’m trying to at least maintain my current weight or ideally lose a few pounds. While I occasionally get out in my own neighborhood for an efficient stroll, it makes exercise much more fun when I go to a scenic destination. Having lived most of my 33 years in Richmond, I’ve been many places in the area, but I’ll confess that I just discovered the beauty of the three miles of Cardinal Greenway in Wayne County last year. I guess that proves that you can always be a tourist in your hometown and find a little gem you haven’t otherwise experienced. I had heard good things about the trails, but I had hesitated to go until last summer. It’s much more fun — and safer — to go hiking when you have someone special to share the experience with. I can hardly believe the scenic views to experience along the way, even though trails aren’t too far from busy roads and industrial areas of town. It’s convenient, too; just take in as many portions of the trail as you have time to explore, and turn around when you know you need to get back. And there are many convenient locations where you can park your vehicle and start at a trailhead. In Richmond, there are several spots such as Test Road, the Richmond High School parking lot, near the StarrGennett buildings on South First Street (just southwest of the Wayne County jail), North Fourth Street near the Warehouse Cafe and Cycling and Fitness Warehouse, at Springwood Park and along Industries Road. It doesn’t all need to be done in a day. If I’d seen all of it in one day, I’m not sure how often I’d want to go back. It’s a good place for interesting conversations to happen away from the distractions of television. You can discuss deep thoughts, talk about childhood memo-

ries of outdoor experiences with your families or just laugh at the antics of chipmunks and birds moving around you. And sometimes just walking and observing silently is all you need to get away from daily stresses. There are many pretty places where you can view the Whitewater River, either walking alongside it or overlooking it from a bridge. Granted, some people from outside the area might not think it’s quite worthy of the name “River,” but it’s still a soothing, visually interesting body of water to listen to and watch. Just having pretty surroundings to focus on makes me forget that it’s exercise, even though I’m probably glowing (my preferred term over “sweating”) as much as I would be on a treadmill. Some advice: • It’s remarkable how friendly everyone that I’ve encountered on the trails has been. They usually either say “Hi,” or just offer a smile or nod in greeting. However, you can go for long stretches without encountering anyone, especially during the day, when many people are at work. It’s wise to be cautious and prepared with a cell phone, personal alarm that makes loud noises or canine buddy. • Don’t forget to take a beverage with you; it could be a very thirsty hike in this extreme heat and vending machines aren’t located along the paths. • As much as I have enjoyed the trails, it makes it more of a touristy new experience to finish with lunch. You can find healthy eating options if you want to stay with the fitness theme. Or you can indulge in a reward (such as coney dogs) if you think you’ve burned off enough calories. There are several locally owned restaurants not too far from parking for the trails, so you can make it a unique experience each time as you sample your way through the eatery options. I’m looking forward to hiking (and eating) my way through the summer and fall, and I hope to see you out on the trails. Millicent Martin is news editor of the PalladiumItem. Contact her at mmartin@pal-item.com or (765) 973-4468.

At the beginning of the project, Bill Peterson and I were convinced that if people in the Cardinal Greenway main communities (Marion, Muncie and Richmond) could experience or hear about the benefits of bike trails in other communities, it would make a difference. We tried to tell stories about other communities in other states that had successful trails and we sometimes took small groups to some of Ohio’s trail systems. In the end, I think we ended up with a better trail system than most of the examples we used. In the earliest days, it was hard to imagine the entire corridor completed. My kids (and wife) all remember riding with me in our pickup down the abandoned CSX railroad bed when CG first acquired it. Some of us board members tried to survey the conditions to see what we really had acquired. It seemed like a daunting task to think about 60 miles — so we just focused on the pilot project heading south from the Depot. I’ve heard lots of stories about the benefits the trail has brought to people over the years — dramatically improved health, close to home recreation, even economic boosts, but the story that has always stuck with me was a comment a friend made shortly after the first 10 miles opened - she was going through a tough time as she helped care for a loved one who was dying, and she said getting on a bike and riding that trail every day through the beautiful countryside was what allowed her to keep going. Another aspect of the trail that I’ve always appreciated is that unusual connection that happens between passersby. Being out there in that environment eliminates barriers between people - friendliness comes forward, in the mutual enjoyment — it makes me think about an early phrase we coined — engaging communities through “neighborly connections.” A breakthrough indicator for me that the community was getting on board happened in the third year (I think) after the first ten miles were open. On Thanksgiving, The Star Press published a top ten list of things to be thankful for in Muncie, and the Cardinal Greenway showed up as number three. Dave Ferguson is a founding board member of Cardinal Greenway Inc. and second organization president.

Marta Moody The Cardinal Greenway story is about people, partnerships, and perseverance. In 1993, the CSX abandoned rail line was purchased thanks to a group of community leaders who recognized the potential and importance of a railtrail greenway that would link five counties, three cities and several small towns. Eighteen years later, we are the beneficiaries of their vision — we have a 60 mile trail from Richmond to Marion with Muncie as the headquarters. This has been a massive cooperative project that wouldn’t have been possible without the cooperation of state and local agencies, commissioners, mayors, foundations, volunteers, staff and many, many private donors. In that 18 years, people have gone from thinking “a trail might be nice, I guess” to citing the Cardinal Greenway as one of the premiere attractions for East Central Indiana and not just for tourism, but for economic development purposes as well as enhancement of the quality of life for existing residents. It’s important to realize that building the trail successfully completes the original vision but maintaining the trail will be the ongoing challenge. Marta Moody is a longtime board member of Cardinal Greenway Inc.

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Cardinal

Greenway MAKES CONNECTIONS

Seth Slabaugh / The Star Press

A new bridge carries the Cardinal Greenway over a creek near the community of Economy in Wayne County. CONTINUED FROM THE COVER

“I will assert that you have one of the finest railtrails in the country,” Oberg said. “The quality of the trail from cleanliness to amenities is truly one of national stature. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has always been impressed by the caliber of not just the trail but also the people running the organization.”

Out-of-towners

It has been named to the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s Rail-Trail Hall of fame, in part because of its proximity to arts, cultural and tourist attractions, such as nightlife, unique restaurants and coffee shops, the Indianapolis Art Center in Broad Ripple Village and the Monon Community Center, a state-of-the-art water park and fitness complex at Central Park in Carmel.

‘Country boy’

Because of its length, the trail frequently attracts out-of-town and out-of-state visitors. Steve McIntyre, a retired tool and die factory worker from Logansport, and his wife, Tona, recently spent two days on the trail as a minivacation. They biked from Gaston to Richmond, spent the night at a Comfort Inn, and biked back to Gaston the next day. “We like long stretches of nothing but farm fields and woods,” Tona said. “What we really liked about Cardinal Greenway was the PortaPotties every few miles. Most trails don’t have them. They can’t afford them.” The couple have biked on many rail-trails, including the Monon Trail. “I do like the Monon,” Tona said. “But I’m obviously concerned about the attacks on the Monon. That’s a concern. I have been told not to go into certain areas on the Monon, so we stay away from certain areas.” Security at the Monon Trail became a concern this summer after a brazen daylight shooting that injured Gary Bravard, 58. A 16-year-old boy tried to rob Bravard, who was walking home from work, then shot Bravard eight times. A suspect has been charged. A 34-year-old man and a 60year-old woman also have been attacked on the trail. In spite of those incidents, the Monon Trail is one of the Midwest’s most highly acclaimed rail-trails in terms of popularity, design and economic development, according to the non-profit Greenways Foundation. The trail reportedly has seen investment approaching $1 billion along its route.

Bob Hayes, a retired engineering technician who lives along Cardinal Greenway in the Wayne County community of Economy, said, “This trail is everything I could hope for. I’m a country boy. I stay away from city stuff. I detest the trail in Muncie. It’s noisy and has too many crossroads. It’s beautiful and peaceful out there. I ate some wild asparagus growing along the trail. It was sweet and good. I also like to eat the wild blackberries from the trail.” On a recent afternoon, you could smell manure coming from a barn along the trail just north of Economy. “It’s an Amish farm,” Hayes said. “When I was on the trail the other day, the farmer yelled, ‘Sorry for the stink, I just cleaned out the barn.’” Trail users tell Cardinal Greenway officials what they like about the trail includes being safe from cars and trucks, the scenic farmland, the peace and quiet, the woods it runs through, the bridges, the wide open space and the songbirds. “The greenway is one of our most important assets ... when it comes to recreation and health,” said Jud Fisher, president of Ball Brothers Foundation, which has spent at least $1.7 million on the trail’s development. “The magnitude of an approximately 70-mile stretch of rail-trail is extremely beneficial to the quality of life for our community. There is so much more that can be done with learning on the trail that we will hopefully realize over the next few years for all ages in our community.”

Stimulus funds helped

Construction of the trail was paid for by

sources including Transportation Enhancement funds from the federal government, state government, Ball Brothers, Lilly Endowment, community foundations and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Without ARRA, 10 miles of the trail would have been constructed of crushed stone rather than asphalt. “That was such an awesome windfall,” Pool said. Paving the entire trail makes it more inclusive. Road bikes with skinny tires don’t do well on crushed stone. Nor do skates, skateboards, baby carriages or wheelchairs. The trail also features a companion 22-mile horse trail, which greenway officials believe to be the longest in the state. While paving of the final 20-mile section of the regular trail is complete, construction (and construction traffic) continues along the trail, including striping, signage, trailheads and the horse trail. “People are on it anyway,” Pool said. “We are able to say the trail is open but beware of construction traffic.” “We have no way of stopping people, short of barricades,” Willman added. Gov. Mitch Daniels is expected to attend an official dedication in the fall. He already has attended at least two dedication ceremonies for portions of the trail. “We wouldn’t be completing it without the governor’s commitment,” Pool said. “Huge doors opened because of his support.” To help the state reach its goal of having a hiking, biking or equestrian trail within 7.5 miles or 15 minutes of all Hoosiers, the governor in 2006 pledged to double funding for trails from $10 million a year to $20 million. The pledge has been met or exceeded every year since then, thanks in part to ARRA funding. Cardinal Greenway isn’t the only East Central Indiana trail to be completed this year. The 5.5mile White River Greenway in Muncie also is being finished. Contact reporter Seth Slabaugh at 213-5834.

“I will assert that you have one of the finest rail-trails in the country. The quality of the trail from cleanliness to amenities is truly one of national stature. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has always been impressed by the caliber of not just the trail but also the people running the organization.” — Eric Oberg, manager of trail development at the Midwest office of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

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Sept. 10, 2011 www.walkindiana.org Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/WalkIndiana

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Walk Indiana is brought to you by:

Proceeds from Walk Indiana go to Cardinal Greenway to be used at their discretion.

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Star Press file photo

Participants walk the Cardinal Greenway in the first Walk Indiana walking marathon in September 2010.

Enough talk …

JUST WALK By Ivy Fargheson

Are you sick of your doctor telling you it’s time to start exercising? Or are you going crazy about the numbers on the scale get higher ... and higher ... and higher? Some of your friendly neighbors are hoping you’re sick and tired of all those issues, too, sick and tired enough to do something about it, like, say, walk a marathon. On Saturday, Sept. 10, Muncie will host the second annual IF YOU’RE Walk Indiana, the state’s only noncompetitive walk-only INTERESTED marathon created specifically Walk Indiana non-competitive walking to move you from complaining marathon to action. Or intended at least • WHEN: Sept. 10 for you to just move. • COST: $25 through Aug. 10; $35 “This is something almost beginning Aug. 11; cost includes T-shirt, anybody can do and sustain sports bag, medal and food throughout their entire life,” • TO REGISTER: Visit www.walkindiana.org said Lisa Nellessen-Lara, race • TRAINING WALKS: The next training walk director and executive editor begins at the Wysor Street Depot, 700 E. of The Star Press. “This is askWysor St., at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 13. ing people to get involved in • WALKING CLUB: The Y hosts a a simple exercise that doesn’t Wednesday walk each week from 5-6 require any money or any athp.m. starting from its downtown location. letic prowess. And it’s about Walkers also meet at 9 a.m. Saturdays at the training and beginning a the Cardinal Depot. regular walking regimen. It’s • MORE INFO: Visit www.walkindiana.org that simple.” for more information on the walk and for In its first year, walktraining schedules for each of the walking ers came from throughout distances. East Central Indiana to take part in the inaugural event. Registration this year includes walkers from several states, who say they have a difficult time finding walk-only events of this distance. The walking marathon, a 26.2-mile endeavor along the Cardinal Greenways system, may seem a bit overwhelming at first, but that’s only one of the three events during the Walk Indiana celebration. A quarter marathon route of 6.5 miles and a half marathon walk of 13.1 miles are available options for anyone hoping to test the waters before taking the deep plunge into a full-on walking marathon. Plus, none of the walks are timed, allowing you to take your time with friends, family members, coworkers, anyone who might be moving with you along the way. “This could be great bonding time for anyone,” said Angie Pool, executive director of the Cardinal Greenways, a sponsor of the event. “Lots of people do that along the greenways, during lunch breaks, in the morning, after work. This would be a good time for that, too.” Training for the event also provides the perfect incentive for Richmond area residents to test out 20-plus miles of newly built sections of the trail, which now extends northeast from Richmond through Wayne County and into Randolph, Henry and Delaware counties all the way to Gaston. Walk Indiana isn’t only a way to get local walkers moving, but also to introduce many fitness novices to the wonderful wide world of the regional great outdoors. For 26.2 miles, walkers will witness the beauty of being at one with Mother Nature: the vibrant green fields to the south of the city, mischievous squirrels chasing each other up and down the trail’s many trees, the amazing songs various birds sing to each other outside of the city limits. Local outdoor enthusiast Jerall Ross didn’t think it was possible to really enjoy Mother Nature in East Central Indiana but has noticed a change in recent years. “My brother and I used to go out to these events in other states and we always had to listen to how great these other states have it in terms of recreation and things,” Ross said. “I had to tell them, recreation is more a less an afterthought in Indiana. But that’s all turned around in the last 10 years.” Proceeds from Walk Indiana go back to the Cardinal Greenway, which uses the funds for trail development and maintenance.